Preventive Dentistry – Arlington, TX

Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer symptoms can be very subtle, and it’s very possible for the condition to fly under the radar until things become severe. This is part of why routine screenings are so crucial! That said, some common warning signs include:

• Sores or ulcers in your mouth that don’t heal within two weeks
• Red or white patches on your gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
• Persistent hoarseness, sore throat, or a change in your voice
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
• Numbness or unexplained bleeding in your mouth, lips, or tongue
• A lump or thickening in the soft tissues of your mouth or throat
• Loose teeth or general discomfort while eating

Having one or two of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer, but it’s always best to be safe—so reach out to our office if you notice any of the above signs between your routine checkups!

What Does a Dentist Look for During an Oral Cancer Screening?

During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Atluri will conduct a visual and physical examination of your mouth, oral tissues, lips, throat, and tongue in search of any signs of oral cancer. Essentially, she is looking for any tissue changes that fall outside of what a healthy mouth should look like. She’ll also be feeling along your jaw and neck to check for any enlarged lymph nodes, which can be an early indicator of a spreading issue. If anything suspicious is found, we’ll ask you to come in for a follow-up; since oral cancer can look just like other everyday issues in its earliest stages, we don’t leave anything to chance.

What Can I Expect During My Screening?

An oral cancer screening in Arlington only takes a few minutes and can be performed as part of your regular checkup with no separate appointment needed. There’s nothing you need to do to prepare, and if you’re feeling anxious, don’t worry; there won’t be any discomfort involved. Dr. Atluri will begin with a visual examination, checking all of the soft tissues inside your mouth using a small light and mirror. She might also touch suspicious areas to check for firmness or sensitivity.

She’ll continue this process, looking at your lips, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, your gums, and the insides of your cheeks. If everything looks healthy, she’ll let you know and continue with the rest of your visit! If something is spotted, she’ll explain her findings, what it may or may not mean, and go over your next steps.  

Customized vs. Store-Bought Nightguards

There are two types of nightguards you can choose from: customized and store-bought. Although many people choose the latter because of price, they often come with many downsides, such as comfort and durability.

Investing in a custom nightguard ensures you receive a device that is made to fit your smile and no one else’s. Crafted by professional lab technicians, they are designed to safeguard your teeth from further wear and tear effectively. They are unlikely to wear down as quickly as store-bought brands, which means you can protect your smile much longer.

The Process of Getting a Nightguard

If you decide to get a custom nightguard from our office, we will start with a scheduled consultation, allowing us to determine the severity of your bruxism and whether you have existing TMJ issues. We’ll examine the enamel of your teeth and determine which type of nightguard is needed to ensure optimal results.

Then, we will take digital impressions of your smile, including your bite, so that lab technicians have the specific dimensions they need to craft a fully customized appliance. When it is ready, you will return to undergo a formal fitting. We will make sure it feels comfortable and achieves desired results. Your teeth should not touch at all once the guard is in place.

Once you are satisfied with your appliance, we will discuss how to properly care for it so you can get the most out of your nightguard.

The Benefits of Getting a Nightguard for Bruxism

There are few, if any, benefits of a store-bought nightguard, but there are many advantages you can enjoy when allowing our team to provide a customized appliance to protect your smile, including:

• You will no longer experience enamel wear and tear caused by teeth grinding and clenching.
• Your jaw will move into proper alignment so that you no longer experience an uncomfortable or uneven bite.
• Your facial muscles will relax.
• The number of headaches you experience will lessen.
• You are unlikely to experience lockjaw or gum recession.

Caring for Your Nightguard

When you receive your nightguard, we will also provide a protective case you can keep it in when you’re not wearing it. Each day, you will need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove saliva and bacteria, then rinse it thoroughly. It is best to let it air dry instead of closing the case, as this can cause harmful particles to accumulate.

Other helpful tips include:

• Using lukewarm, not hot, water when cleaning your nightguard. Hot water will warp the plastic.
• Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as it can damage the material.
• Keep it in the protective case when you are not wearing it to avoid possible damage.